Child Development Specialist (Tues-Sat 2pm-10:30pm)

The Village is one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, we continue to achieve our mission to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children by providing a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment, and support services for children, adults, and families in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut region.

About the Role

Starting hourly rate of $20.50 with differential pay for hours worked between 3 PM–7 AM. Shift schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 2:00 PM–10:30 PM (scheduled for 8.5 hours with a 0.5-hour meal break).

About Eagle House Program

• 24-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) serving children ages 6–12
• Functions as a step-down or diversion from inpatient hospitalization
• Serves youth with severe emotional and behavioral challenges related to significant trauma
• Average length of stay: ~4 months
• Goal: stabilize youth and prepare them for transition to community-based care, family, or foster placement
• Provides intensive, trauma-informed care focused on relationship-building and skill development

Services include:

• Psychiatry and nursing evaluations
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Case management
• Therapeutic recreation
• Special education services

Emphasis on helping youth build emotional regulation, coping skills, and positive interactions with peers and adults.

Responsibilities

• Key member of the multidisciplinary treatment team
• Supports treatment and educational needs of children with trauma-related challenges
• Implements therapeutic behavior management strategies
• Teaches and reinforces healthy coping skills aligned with treatment goals
• Oversees daily routines (e.g., hygiene, meals, structure)
• Facilitates and participates in recreational group activities
• Provides continuous supervision to ensure physical and emotional safety
• Builds therapeutic relationships to support emotional regulation, prosocial skill development, and overall behavioral functioning
• Transports clients to appointments or to and from community activities

Requirements

• High school diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
• Valid driver's license required
• Experience in human services or working with children with special needs preferred
• Knowledge of child development and the impact of trauma, abuse, and neglect
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to remain calm, manage stress, and respond safely in crisis or emergency situations
• Physically able to supervise children and perform job duties, including physical interventions (holds) when necessary (with or without reasonable accommodation)

Certifications

Required certifications (or willingness to obtain):

• Medication Administration Certification
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
• First Aid & CPR (American Red Cross)
• Defensive Driving
• Safe Food Handling
• Situational Awareness
• Risking Connection

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage
• Generous paid time off
• Employer-matched retirement savings
• Tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment
• Loan Forgiveness Program (NHSC)
• Ongoing coaching, training, and professional development opportunities
• Staff recognition programs, including awards and incentives for staff of the month, perfect attendance, and appreciation events throughout the year

For more details, visit thevillage.org/careers/our-benefits.